UK summons social network bosses over the riots

Social networks feel the heat as England rioters use them to spread violence

Major social media network bosses including Twitter, Facebook and BlackBerry have been called by a top British Parliamentary body headed by British MP Kieth Vaz to appear before it over the role played by the social networks during the recent riots in England.

Chairman Home Affairs Committee of the House of Commons Kieth Vaz was quoted by PTI saying, that he has written to the Chairmen of Twitter, Facebook and BlackBerry because it is absolutely clear that the new media had a role in the number of people who turned up at various places.

"It is clear that people were using the private BlackBerry network to announce that there is going to be riot in such and such street and such and such time," Vaz said.

Facebook, Twitter and Blackberry were in spotlight during the riots after it was found that some rioters may have used the social networks to plan trouble or encourage others.

Following the revelations, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the government would look at limiting access to such services during any future disorder.

The Scotland Yard has already said that it was tracking down the persons who posted "really inflammatory and inaccurate" messages on social media, that were used to organise and coordinate the riots in London, BBC reported.

Communications networks that are operating in the UK can be compelled to hand over individuas’ personal messages if police are able to show that they relate to criminal behaviour.